Starter problem?
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Starter problem?
My 96 5.8L auto Bronco won't start. Battery fully charged, dash lights come on, dome light comes on, radio works, but nothing happens when I turn the key. What a few things I can do either narrow down cause or rule what isn't the problem? Thanks.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 12
From: Bend,OR
first make sure your cables are all clean and snug. smack your starter with a hammer a few times then try again. if it still clicks pull the starter and have it tested. if it clears than the solenoid on the fender is the culprit
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,925
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Well a potentially dangerous thing to do is bypass the starter solenoid or starter itself with a screwdriver or other metal object with a non metal handle. Just connect the two ends of the starter solenoid with the screwdriver with the ignition on to see if that works, then you'll know if you have a bad solenoid or connections there. You can do the same thing with your starter, and if your starter turns over then you know that's good and you probably have a bad connection.
Make sure you're in neutral if you decide to do this and be prepared for sparks!!!
Make sure you're in neutral if you decide to do this and be prepared for sparks!!!
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New User
Joined: Aug 2012
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I was having the same problem with my 1989 Bronco. The first thing you need to do is narrow things down as you already have by saying it clicks. There's only a few things it could be now since your battery is fully charged. Check the fuel pump and if you hear it clicking then go on to the starter.
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New User
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and i wasn't saying it was the fuel pump. If the fuel pump is clicking and on it means it has plenty of juice to turn over the starter. Ford starters are about as tough as there trucks so your best option would be just to replace it or buy your self some time and get one from a scrap yard. Starters on ford's can just be bolted in and ready to go.
The Southernmost Mod
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 6,902
Likes: 21
From: Caracas, Venezuela
My bet is on the starter solenoid, it's the cheaper part and the easiest one to test, with the key on the ON position, use a screwdriver to create a bridge between the threaded poles of the solenoid (The black cylindrical part on the fender, next to the battery and with a bunch of wires atteched). Of course, if it's an auto do this while in Park, if it's a manual, do this while in Neutral (by the lack of mentions of attemps to do a rolling start, I'm guessing it's an auto). If the engine turns, then the cause is the solenoid, just replace it.
If the engine doesn't turn after you try the screwdriver, then there is another cause.
If the engine doesn't turn after you try the screwdriver, then there is another cause.
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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Starter problem?
Thanks everyone. I wanted to let you know I was out of town when I posted this thread and when I came home I tried starting again and it started right up without changing a thing. Any ideas on this? I bought a new started and plan to hang on to it for a little while to see what happens, but so far it runs smoothly.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 6,815
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From: Tobyhanma, PA
I agree, I've repalced many a starter solenoid on my Bronco. I'd prolly repalce it next time you ahve a chance, its cheap and easy to swap out. Also might look at getting new cables, the stock cables are known to corrode internally on these trucks.
Good to hear you have it back on the road tho.
Good to hear you have it back on the road tho.